"I just saw it in the paper last night that they were giving them [flu shots] today so I'd thought I'd just come over and get it," Mountjoy said.

And he got it in less than ten minutes. Even the Boone County Health Department Director says this year is nothing like last year.

"We had such a shortage and we were really working with other health care providers to pool our resources. I think people were a little bit more panicked that they wouldn't get their flu shot. This year it's a whole lot more calmer and it's been running very smoothly," Director Stephanie Browning said.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says in 2004 Boone County had 639 reported cases of influenza. Statewide more than 10,000 cases were reported. The price of the flu shot is up from ten to fifteen dollars, because the Health Department had to pay more for it this year.

Mountjoy says no matter the cost or long lines, getting the shot is what's important.

"I'm glad I got it and hope I don't get the flu," Mountjoy said.

Anyone on Medicaid or Medicare can get the flu shot for free. The Health Department will hold more open clinics once it gets the next shipment. To find out when the Boone County Health Department is giving flu shots call (573) 874-7533.